NCJ Number
195544
Journal
Jane's Terrorism & Security Monitor Dated: June 2002 Pages: 1-4
Date Published
June 2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article reviews U.S. intelligence failures and the Moussaoui case.
Abstract
Revelations that shook Washington in May 2002 made it clear that the U.S. Government's system of analyzing intelligence failed to prepare the country for the events of September 11, which could have been predicted from the mass of data which seemed never to reach the White House, or Federal, State, and local officials. As early as 1999, the FBI learned that al-Qa'ida members were attending a civilian flying school. A counter terrorism special agent was concerned about the number of Middle Easterners enrolling in civil aviation schools, but intelligence indications failed to register. It is clear a serious intelligence failure had occurred. The FBI's communications system is so primitive that it is almost impossible for agents to send classified e-mail to another agency like the CIA. The result is that information is hoarded -- not shared. The Government's system for tracking foreign students is inadequate and improvements will not be ready for several years. Also inadequate is airport security. The article expresses the fear that the United States is no better prepared for a terrorist attack now than it was prior to September 11.